This guide covers glass and hardware for use with legal products only, in line with your state's laws. TAG makes no health claims about any material you choose to use.
Technology is advancing at a frenetic pace. We carry computers in our pockets, on our wrists, and in our bags. Those advances are not limited to the tools we use to work. They also apply to the tools we use to unwind.
Changing up the dabbing setup are nectar collectors: tubes of glass, or in the TAG model, a titanium nail with the collector built in, with all the parts you need to use your legal concentrates. This does not mean you can never dab the way you used to. Portable nectar collectors are just a sleeker, more portable way to work with concentrates. If you are interested in expanding your kit, read on.
Take the Show on the Road
Portability is a key factor with nectar collectors, as opposed to a full dab rig with a titanium nail. They are sleek and slim and can fit in a pocket. Being able to slip a portable nectar collector into your pocket as you head out to meet friends is worth a lot. Collectors are nice to look at and very functional. They can give you a smooth draw off your concentrates and help keep the mess down.
It is as simple as passing it around, like you would a pipe. There are accessories you can buy for your nectar collector like nectar collector stands and dishes to keep things tidy. You will want to minimize wear on your collector and on the surface you use your concentrates from.
The tips of collectors get very hot, so be careful when you set one down. The last thing you need is for your gear to scorch your belongings.
Bits and Pieces
There are a few key parts of the portable nectar collector to pay attention to. They are similar to water pipes in that they have a neck, body, and tip. Since the tip has to function like a nail, it needs to be made of something that can tolerate that level of heat. You are more likely to get a tip made of titanium, and really, why go for something less? You want your piece to last, so it is better to spend a bit more up front.
Some parts a collector has that pipes do not include glass whips, keck clips, and, on some models, chambers for water. The ones without water chambers are sometimes called wands, so know the difference.
Because a portable collector comes apart easily, it is easier to clean. Collectors can be made from glass, ceramic, titanium, or quartz, so take a little care when cleaning depending on the material.
Another advantage of a multi-piece collector is that you can mix and match. Some collectors are designed for dry herb only and some for concentrates only. If you have one and want to use the other, simple conversion kits let you cover both without much hassle.
A word of caution if you are using one with a water chamber: keep it just under half-filled so it functions properly.
Fun and Fancy Free
If we have not driven home how handy nectar collectors are yet, keep reading. Not only are they sleek, easy to manage, and fun to use, they also come in miniature sizes. That adds to the portability and can help you pace yourself. With collectors, the harder you draw the larger the pull, so the smaller size can either help you increase force or let you slow down with its simple design.
All you do is heat the tip of your collector and either dip it or drag it over your concentrates, then draw. It is that easy.
You do not even need to carry a dish if you do not want to. Any genuinely heat-resistant surface will do in a pinch. Just make sure it is actually heat resistant, and clean up when you are done. Do not set your coffee table on fire if you do not have to.
Heating the Tip the Right Way
The tip is the part that does the work, so how you heat it matters. Use a proper butane torch rather than a lighter, and keep the flame on the tip itself, not on the glass body or joint, to avoid stressing the piece. Give the tip a short cool-down after heating so the surface is not scorching before it touches your material, which protects both the flavor and the tip.
Temperature control is where a nectar collector rewards a little practice. A tip that is too hot runs harsh, while a slightly cooler tip gives a smoother, more controlled draw. Because a titanium tip holds heat longer than glass or quartz, you can usually take a couple of draws off a single heat cycle once you get the timing down.
Appreciate the Little Things
Whether you go for a full-sized nectar collector or a miniature one, you are sure to enjoy this addition to your kit. Easy, fun to use, and even more fun to share, nectar collectors are a popular way to work with concentrates. This does not mean your dab rigs should go up for sale. Think of collectors as a complement to your setup.